Packaging machine



Oct. 14, 1969 J. F. BERRY 3,471,997

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed June 22, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR JOHN F BERRY ATTORNEYS Oct. 14, 1969 J. F. BERRY 3,471,997

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed June 22, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 64 C\ PL I;

A w I} Fig. 7 INVENTOR JOHN F. BERRY Z/nz 9 4M,

ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,471,997 PACKAGING MACHINE John F. Berry, Bedford, Ohio, assignor to The American Packaging Corporation Filed June 22, 1966, Ser. No. 559,632 Int. Cl. 1365b 43/30, 57/02 US. Cl. 53--386 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Apparatus for opening and controlling the filling of a container having an opening provided by panel portions. Pivotal arms with vacuum cups engage the panel portions in response to the positioning of the container at a loading station. The apparatus automatically opens the container upon engagement by the vacuum cups, controls loading, and automatically releases the container.

This invention relates to a packaging machine and more particularly to a machine for opening and control ling the filling of containers.

The invention is particularly concerned with methods and apparatus for opening and controlling the filling of display packages of the type disclosed in the copending application of Ridley Watts, Jr., Ser. No. 514,953, filed Dec. 20, 1967, now Patent No. 3,334,804 and entitled Display Pack.

The container disclosed in that application is formed of a folded display card having a flexible pocket that is bordered at least in part by overlying portions of folded panels of the card. The pouch-like container or pocket holds the articles packaged. The container is intended to be sealed about three sides when manufactured. One side, i.e., a top portion, is left unsealed.

The panels along the top edge of the container are adapted to be spread apart to provide an opening into the flexible pocket, between the panels. Articles are inserted by dropping them into the pouch or pocket through the open top, just as in filling a bag.

As disclosed in the said copending application, the panel portions bordering the flexible pocket along the top of the container are constructed to spread apart into a diamond-shaped, or square opening that provides wide access into the pocket or pouch. The filled container is then closed and sealed along the top edge.

Among the important advantages of the above-described display package are the convenient opening and loading feature, the ease with which it can be closed and sealed after filling, and its ability to be opened without destruction, facilitating its use for storage of unused items.

With this container, a manufacturer can package his own merchandise without first making a very substantial investment in packaging equipment. I-le receives the container completely formed and need only spread it apart along a top edge, insert an article to be packaged, close and then seal the package along one edge.

The present invention enhances the above advantages by providing equipment that opens and controls the filling of such containers at a high speed, yet which is compact and relatively inexpensive by comparison with typical packaging equipment. In addition, the equipment will readily handle containers of different sizes with a minimum of adjustment.

In accordance with this invention, flat containers to be opened and filled are positioned at a loading station of the machine by a machine operator. The container is received by a card guide that accurately positions the container in proper location for opening and filling. Once the container is inserted, the machine cycle starts automatically. Top edges of the card are engaged and spread "ice apart beneath a chute for a predetermined time period. During this time articles to be packaged are automatically dispensed through the chute. At the end of the time period the card is released and the operator removes the filled package from the machine.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a pair of arms with vacuum grippers are provided at the loading station. The arms are pivotally movable in a horizontal plane about a common vertical axis between a closed, face-to-face, position and an open, spread position. The arms are in an open or spread position when a container to be opened and filled is placed at the loading station. The arms are actuated to a closed position, and into engagement with the container by a switch that is closed by the container when positioned at the loading station. Engagement of the vacuum cups with the container automatically causes the arms to again open, spreading apart the panels that form the top of the container.

Articles are released and directed into the opened container in response to the opening of the arms. After a suitable time delay, the vacuum cups are vented to atmosphere, releasing the engaged portions of the container. The filled package is then removed and the machine is in condition for a second cycle.

These and other features of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a machine constructed in accordance with the present invention, with parts of the housing removed to reveal parts of the operating mechanisms and showing in phantom an opened container at a loading station;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan View of the apparatus of FIG- URE 1, with parts of the housing removed to reveal the operating mechanisms, and showing in phantom an open container at a loading station;

FIGURE 3 is a partial top plan view, similar to FIG- URE 2, showing a card at the loading station in closed condition and engaged by vacuum cups, preparatory to opening the container to the configuration shown in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical control circuit for controlling the operation of the apparatus;

FIGURE 5 is a schematic vacuum diagram showing an arrangement for controlling the vacuum supply to the vacuum cups of the opening mechanism;

FIGURE 6 is a schematic pneumatic diagram showing an arrangement for pneumatically operating the opening mechanism of the apparatus; and

FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a container of the type to be opened and filled in accordance with this invention, showing the container with top panel portions spread apart to receive articles to be packaged.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGURE 1, the general arrangement of a preferred embodiment of the machine of this invention is shown. The machine 10 consists generally of a housing 11 including a front panel 12. The housing 11 encloses various components of the apparatus, such as a control system and vacuum system, which will be described in detail subsequently. A loading chute 14, control panel 15 and loading station 16 are supported at the front of the housing 11 adjacent the front panel 12.

The loading chute 14 receives articles to be packed from a supply source (not shown) and directs the articles to the loading station. The chute is funnel shaped and supported above the loading station 16 by a bracket 20 that extends forward from the front plate 12.

The loading station is constructed to receive and support a container beneath the loading chute 14 while the container is opened and filled. The station includes a support 22, a card guide 24 and an opening mechanism 26. A typical container of the type to be opened and filled is shown in C in phantom, still closed in FIGURES 1 and 3, opened in FIGURES 2 and in full line and opened in FIGURE 7.

The support 22 consists of a flat stage 28 that extends horizontally from a bracket 30 secured to the front panel 12 of the housing 11. The front bracket 30 includes two vertical grooves (not shown), which permit vertical movement of the stage. Two horizontally spaced screws, one of which is shown at 32, are carried by the stage and extend through the vertical slots. The screws are secured to a tapping plate 34 within the front bracket 30. When the screws 32 are loosened, the stage 28 can be moved vertically to facilitate dilferent size containers, which rest with a lower edge on the stage.

The card guide 24 supports and positions a flat cardtype container in a vertical position at the loading station. It is formed of two vertical plates 36, 38 secured to the front panel 12 of the housing 11, above the card support 22 and beneath the loading chute 14. Each card guide plate includes straight flat portions 36a, 38a that extend parallel to each other at right angles to the front panel 12. These portions are separated from each other by a vertical spacer 39 a distance slightly in excess of the thickness of a card-type container to be positioned at the loading station. Each card guide has an outer, distal, end 36b, 38b that diverges from the parallel portions at an angle of approximately 135 degrees. This provides an included angle of 90 degrees between the two ends. A central portion at the outer end of each plate 36, 38 is cut away to provide a clearance opening for the card opening mechanism 26 and for switch operating lever, to be described.

The opening mechanism 26 engages and opens a card at the loading station. This mechanism includes a hearing support 42, two pivotal arms 44, and an operating linkage and actuator, indicated generally 46.

The bearing support 42 is carried at the forward end of a bracket or base support 20, which also carries the chute 14. The bearing support 42 journals two vertical concentric shafts 47, 48, which extend above and below the bearing support. These shafts support and actuate the pivotal arms 44, 45.

The arms 44, 45 are pivotally supported beneath the bearing support 20 by the vertical concentric shafts to swing between opened and closed positions in a horizontal plane within the central, cut-away portion of the card guide plates 36, 38. The arms 44, 45 are mirror images of each other, and only arm 44 will be described in detail. Arm 44 includes an upper horizontally extending portion 44a and a lower horizontally extending portion 44b connected by a vertically inclined connecting portion 44c. Portions 44a and 44b are oriented at right angles to each other. Upper portion 44a is connected to the lower end of the central concentric shaft 47. A vacuum cup 49 is carried by the lower arm portion 44b. The vacuum cup 49 has a face portion 49a for engaging a flat surface of a container at the loading station. The face portion 49a extends parallel to the arm portion 44b in a vertical plane that essentially passes through the pivotal axis of the centric shafts 47, 48. A sucker rod or vacuum tube 50 connects the vacuum cup 49 with a vacuum source.

The arm 45, constructed in the same manner as arm 44, depends from the lower end of the outer concentric shaft 48 and has a vacuum cup 51 oriented in the same manner as the vacuum cup 49 so that the two cups face each other. Rotation of the concentric shafts 47, 48 swings the arms 44, 45 in an arcuate horizontal path, to move the vacuum cups 49, 51 between a position where they are spaced apart, as shown in FIGURE 3, and a second position where they are opposite each other in face-to-face relationship, as shown in FIGURE 3.

The operating linkage 46 is connected to the upper ends of the concentric shafts 47, 48 and serves to rotate the shafts in opposite directions. A drive link 52 is connected at one end to the upper end of the central concentric shaft 47 and extends in a horizontal plane, parallel to the upper portion 44a of the arm 44. Similarly, the drive link 53 is connected at one end to the upper end of the outer concentric shaft 48 and extends parallel to the upper portion of the arm 45. A link 55 is connected by a link pin 56 to the free end of the drive link 52. Similarly, a link 57 is connected by a link pin 58 to the free end of the drive link 53. The opposite ends of the two links 55, 57 are connected together by a clevis pin 60 to a clevis 61. Reciprocating movement of the clevis 61 in a horizontal plane rotates the drive links 52, 53 in opposite directions about the axis of the vertical concentric shafts 47, 48. This in turn swings the arms 44, 45 between open and closed positions.

An actuator 64, consisting of a double acting fluid cylinder 66 and a movable rod 68, reciprocates the clevis 61 to rotate the arms 44, 45. The cylinder 66 is supported horizontally behind the loading station 16 by the bracket 20. A bent arm 70 is carried by the rod 68 and operates a control switch in response to movement of the rod 68.

Two micro-switches are carried by the machine 10 to control the operation. A first switch TS1 is located to the side of the loading station 16, behind the arms 44, 45. An operating lever 76 extends from the switch TS1 to a position in the central cut-away portion of the vertical plates 36, 38 of the card guide 24. In this position, the lever is contacted by the vertical edge of a card-type container inserted between the plates 36, 38 of the card guide 24 when the card is in proper position to be opened.

A second micro-switch TS2 having an operating lever 81 is located to one side of the actuator 64. The lever 81 extends vertically to a position where it intercepts the path of movement of the bent arm 70 as it reciprocates with the rod 68. The switch TS2 is actuated when the rod 68 is withdrawn by the cylinder 66 to a retracted position in which the arms 44, 45 are moved to an open position.

Control circuits, including various components for controlling the sequence of operation of the machine 10, are shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings. FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuitry of the control mechanism for the machine, FIG- URE 5 is a diagram of the vacuum system for the control of the vacuum cups 49, 51, and FIGURE 6 is a diagram of the pneumatic system for controlling the actuator 64.

Referring first to the diagram of the pneumatic system, the rod 68 of the cylinder 66 is normally in a retracted position. The arms 44, 45 are open and the vacuum cups 49, 51 are separated. A conduit 83 is connected to the back end of the cylinder 66 and a conduit 84 is connected to the forward end. These two conduits are connected by a four-way valve 86 to a supply conduit 88 and an exhaust conduit 89. The four-way valve 86 is solenoid operated to the position shown in the pneumatic diagram and is spring biased to a second position where the lower half of the valve shown diagrammatically in FIGURE 6 connects the conduit 83 with exhaust and circuit 84 with air under pressure. Thus, the valve 86 is shown in an actuated position in which the supply conduit 88 is connected with the conduit 83 to the back of the cylinder to extend the cylinder rod 68. At the same time, the conduit 84 from the front of the cylinder is connected to the exhaust conduit 89 to permit move ment of the rod 68.

As shown in FIGURE 5, the vacuum cups 49, 51 are connected to a common conduit 92 that is connected to either a vacuum conduit 94 or an exhaust conduit 95 by a three-way solenoid-operated vacuum valve 96. A

vacuum conduit 94 is connected to a vacuum pump VP. The valve 96 is shown in FIGURE 5 in its normal position, with the vacuum pump VP connected to the vacuum cups 49, 51. When the valve 96 is solenoid operated it vents the cups 49, 51 to exhaust through conduit 95.

A vacuum switch VSW is connected to the common conduit 92 from the vacuum cups 49, 51. The vacuum switch VSW is normally closed when the vacuum cups 49, 51 are free from engagement and the pressure in conduit 92 is substantially atmospheric. The vacuum switch 98 opens when the vacuum cups engage a container at the loading station, at which time the pressure in conduit 92 is reduced.

The operation of the machine, including the pneumatic and vacuum systems, will be best understood from the control circuit of FIGURE 4.

Two main lines L1 and L2 are connected to a source of 115 volt alternating current. An on-ofl power switch PSW and a fuse F1 are in line L1. The vacuum pump VP is connected by a line L3 between main lines L1, L2 and a signal light SL is connected between lines L1 and L2 by a line L4.

The vacuum switch VSW, the trip switch TS1 and a coil relay CR1 are connected in series by a line L5 between the main lines L1, L2. A line L6, normally open contacts CR1-1 of coil relay CR1, and a line L7 between lines L6 and L5 provide a holding circuit for the switch TS1. A control solenoid SOL-1 for the four-way valve 86 of the pneumatic system is connected in parallel with the coil relay CR1 by a line L8. The trip switch TS2, normally open and tripped closed by the arm 70 of the cylinder rod 68, is connected with main line L1 when the vacuum switch VSW opens the circuit of line L5. A timer T is connected by lines L9 and L5 and switches VSW and T82 between main lines L1, L2.

A trip solenoid SOL-2 is connected by a line L10 between the line L9 and the main line L2, in parallel with the timer T. While the trip solenoid SOL-2 is diagrammatically shown in the control diagram, it is physically in a control circuit of an article dispenser and is connected to the line L10 by the receptacle RP1, RP2.

Normally open contacts T-l of the timer T and a vacuum solenoid SOL-V are connected in series by a line L11 across lines L1, L2.

In operation, the power switch PSW is closed to energize the control circuit. The arms 44, 45 of the opening mechanism 26 are in an open position with the vacuum cups 49, 51 spaced apart. The cylinder rod 68 is withdrawn as shown in FIGURES 2 and 6. The vacuum pump VP is energized and the signal light SL is on.

The operator takes a card-type container of the type shown in phantom in FIGURES 1-3 at C and, holding the card in a vertical position with the top or unsealed end up, inserts one side vertical edge between the card guide plates 36, 38, with the bottom edge of the card C resting on the stage 28. The inner vertical edge of the card C engages the switch operating lever 76, tripping the trip switch TS1.

When the trip switch TS1 is closed by the insertion of a card at the loading station, a circuit is completed through line L5 via the normally closed vacuum switch VSW across line L5 and the now closed trip switch TS1 to energize coil relay CR1 and solenoid SOL-1 in line L8. Coil relay CR1 closes normally opened contacts CR1-1, providing a holding circuit across trip switch TS1 so that the operation is no longer dependent upon the position of the card C. Solenoid SOL-1 actuates the four-way valve 86 in the pneumatic system, actuating the valve to the position diagrammatically shown in FIGURE 6.

When the four-way pneumatic control valve 86 is energized by solenoid SOL-1 it connects the back end of cylinder 66 with a source of fluid, such as air, under pressure. It also connects the conduit 84 from the front end of cylinder 66 to exhaust. As a result, the cylinder rod 68 is extended, pivoting the arms 44, 45 to a closed position through the operating linkage 46. The arms close about the two sides of the card-type package C until the vacuum cups 49, 51 make contact with the card.

Contact by the vacuum cups 49, 51 with a card at the loading station blocks the flow of air through the conduit 92 of the vacuum system, creating a reduced pressure so that the vacuum cups adhere to the sides of the card. This decrease in pressure in the conduit 92 trips vacuum switch VSW to open the circuit formed by line L5, deenergizing the coil relay CR1 and the solenoid SOL-1. It also completes a circuit through line L9.

When solenoid SOL-1 is de-energized as a result of the actuation of vacuum switch VSW, the control valve for the cylinder 66 reverses. This causes the rod 68 to be withdrawn, opening the arms 44, 45 and spreading the vacuum cups 49, 51. Because of the construction of the card C, pivotal movement of the arms 44, 45 spread the top portion of the card that is engaged by the two vacuum cups 49, 51, to form a top opening into the pouch. See FIGURE 2.

When the rod 68 was withdrawn, opening the card-type container, the bent arm 70 connected to the rod 68 closed the normally opened switch TS2. At this time, a circuit was completed through vacuum switch VSW, line L9, and switch TS2, to energize the timer T and to energize the trip solenoid SOL2 in line L10.

Energization of the trip solenoid SOL-2 provides a signal to the article dispenser to release articles to be packaged into the container C that is now held open by the vacuum cups 49, 51. Articles released by the dispenser are received in the chute 14 and directed into the opened, top, portion of the container C.

Energization of the timer T provides a suitable delay and then the timer closes normally open contacts T1 in line L11, to energize the vacuum solenoid SOL-V. Vacuum solenoid SOL-V actuates the three-way vacuum valve 96 in the vacuum system to vent the conduit 92 to atmosphere. This causes the vacuum cups 49, 51 to release the container C, which has been filled. At the same time, vacuum switch VSW returns to its position across line L5 and the circuit and apparatus is in condition for a. second cycle. The operator removes the filled package from the loading station and inserts a second container to be opened and filled. The cycle then repeats.

It can be seen from the above that a very convenient and rapid system for automatically opening and filling card-type containers has been provided. The apparatus is extremely compact, easy to operate, and inexpensive, providing equipment that permits a manufacturer to package his own merchandise without first making a substantial investment in packaging equipment. Because of the manner in which the package is gripped by the vacuum cups and pivoted open by the arms 44, 45, cards of various widths may be used without adjustment of the opening mechanism. Cards of various heights are readily handled by adjusting the bottom support 22. Thus, a machine that is versatile in handling packages of different sizes has been provided.

Many modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing detail description. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically shown and described.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for opening and controlling the filling of a card-type container having relatively stifr upper panel portions defining an opening or passageway into the container that are adjacent when the container is closed and which can be spread apart to facilitate loading the container, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a loading station for receiving an individual container to be filled, including a guide slot to receive and position a stiff panel portion of said container;

(b) a pair of arms supported at the loading station for arcuate movement between a first position where the arms extend in essentially the same direction in essentially face-to-face relationship and a second position where the arms are spread apart;

() a vacuum cup on each arm oriented to face the other when the arms are in face-to-face relationship and positioned to engage a stiff upper panel portion of the container;

((1) means connecting the vacuum cups to a source of reduced pressure;

(0) means including an actuator and linkage connected to the arms to move the arms between the said two positions;

(f) a switch at the loading station positioned adjacent said guide slot to be actuated by a container received in said guide slot in position at the station for filling; and

(g) control means responsive to (i) the said switch at the loading station to control the actuator to move the arms to the said first position, and

(ii) the engagement of a container at the loading station by the vacuum cups to control the actuator to move the arms to the said second position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including means, actuated by the concurrent engagement of a container by the vacuum cups and movement of the arms to the said second position, to control the loading of the container engaged by the vacuum cups.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 including a timer actuated by the concurrent engagement of the vacuum cups with a container and movement of the arms to the said second position; means, including a valve in the means connecting the vacuum cups to the source of reduced pressure, controlled by said timer after a delay, to vent the vacuum cups to atmosphere and release the container.

4. Apparatus for opening a card-type container having relatively stiff upper panel portions defining an opening or passageway into the container that are adjacent when the container is closed and which can be spread apart to facilitate loading the container, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a guide for receiving and locating an upright edge of the container in a position that facilitates loading of the container through said opening;

(b) a first switch adjacent said guide and positioned to be engaged and actuated by the container when the container is received and located by said guide in a position to be loaded;

(c) a pair of arms supported adjacent said guide for 8 arcuate movement in a generally horizontal plane between a spaced apart position and a face-to-face position;

(d) power means responsive to actuation of said switch by the container for moving the arms from the spaced apart position to the faee-to-face position;

(e) a vacuum cup on each arm for engaging an upper panel portion of a container positioned to be loaded when the arms are in a face-to-face position;

(f) means connecting said vacuum cups to a vacuum source;

(g) a second switch associated with said connecting means actuatable by a decrease in pressure in said connecting means when said vacuum cups engage the container to actuate said power means to move the pair of arms to a spaced apart position;

(h) a third switch positioned to be actuated by a part movable by said power means when the arms are moved to a spaced apart position to control the loading of the opened package; and

(i) means to increase the pressure in said connecting means after the arms are in said second position to release the container from the vacuum cups while the arms remain in a spaced apart position.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 for opening a card-type container in which two adjacent upper panel portions of the container are pivoted about adjacent vertical fold lines in the panel portions spaced by a fiat card portion from a side edge of the container that actuates said first switch, wherein said guide includes a vertical slot to receive the fiat card portion adjacent said side edge and said pair of arms are pivoted about a common vertical axis that is positioned relative to said guide to be essentially aligned with the said vertical fold lines of the container received by said guide, whereby movement of said arms from a face-to-face position to an open position can pivot upper panel portions of the container engaged by the vacuum cups about said fold lines without repositioning the container relative to the guide.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,689,073 9/1954 Twigg 53386 X 2,843,988 7/1958 Thompson et al. 53-386 3,157,012 11/1964 Shellman et al 53-415 3,359,703 12/1967 Quaadgras 53--187 X THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner E. F. DESMOND, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 5376 

